Blues Lose Unbeaten Start Thanks To Wingate Defeat

In a side that missed captain James Rogers who was unavailable, Tom Wynter led the line while striker Jay May was introduced for his first start in a Margate shirt.

Margate started this game looking intent to not just stay unbeaten but also add to their only win so far this season as Frannie Collin collected David Martins pass but saw his shot superbly saved in the opening two minutes from Wingate goalkeeper Shane Gore.

Margate should have gone ahead moments later as again some fine work down the left from Martin saw him swing a fantastic ball into Collin who rose unmarked but planted his header wide from six yards when unmarked in the home side’s box.

The hosts rarely threatened in the first half with Wynter and Liam Friend cleaning up anything they did have to offer but at the other end Collin, Matt Bodkin and David Martin all saw good opportunities denied.

The second forty-five started much differently with Wingate looking to at least threaten Lenny Pidgeley in the Margate goal and a low cross in the 47th minute almost gave the hosts the lead but fortunately for Margate it evaded everyone and rolled out to safety.

The opening goal did come 12 minutes into the second half as Lenny Pidgeley denied a fierce half volley only for the rebound to fall to Beckles-Richards who poked home the loose ball to give Wingate the lead very much against the run of play.

Margate tried to fight back immediately with Jack Evans rising highest from a corner but his header was clawed off the line by Gore who was impressing in the hosts goal.

Half chances for Harry Stannard and Tom Wynter were all Margate could offer as they tired in the searing North London heat until the 88th minute when they were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the home sides box.

Midfielder Evans and Striker Collin both stood over the ball but it was Evans who curled the strike just inches over the bar and Margate were left to face their first defeat of the season.

Margate: Pidgeley, Sessegnon, Mills, Brown (Prescott), Friend, Wynter, Bodkin (Chiedozie, Evans, May, Collin, Martin (Stannard)

Subs Not Used: Smith, Swift

Attendance: 175

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